Two soldiers killed as gunmen attack army checkpoint in Umuahia

Two soldiers were killed yesterday after some yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked an army checkpoint at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Council.

The attack occurred around 6:18 a.m. when the assailants arrived in the area in a white Lexus vehicle. Confirming the incident, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu said in a statement: “In the early hours of today, November 13, 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation Udo Ka, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Council of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack.”

However, he disclosed that two soldiers lost their lives in the ensuing firefight.The Joint Task Force urged residents of the South East, particularly in Abia State, to provide credible information that could help apprehend the attackers and curb criminal elements in the region. It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, in line with global best practices and established rules of engagement.

Meanwhile, three deceased and two injured men in military uniform were brought yesterday to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia. Confirming the incident in a phone conversation with The Guardian, the FMC’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Darlington Madubuko, said the two wounded men had received necessary medical attention.